VersaStudio BN-20 20" Eco-Solvent Inkjet Printer/Cutter
Wall graphics media either falls off or sticks too aggressively to the wall.
Cause
Customer chose an incompatible product.
Solution
Choose a few media (vinyl and fabric with different adhesive values, i.e. removable, permanent, etc.) for the customer to print and test on their wall. The prints should be the same image and printed on the same printer at the same time frame. Sample prints should be about 1' x 2', if possible. The larger the better. The reason is that if the media has very low tack adhesive, a small sample piece may stick to the wall. However, larger pieces may be too heavy and fall off of the wall. If there is contour cut, give samples that are cut with a border and at full bleed.
Follow the following procedures:
1. Touch the wall to feel if there is any oily residue or any dust.
2. Clean the wall before application.
a. INDOORS: Wipe down with lint free cloth or spray with water and wipe off wall. Let wall dry thoroughly.
b. OUTDOORS: Don't use water or power wash. Since bricks and other materials are porous, the excess moisture can be trapped inside. Use a push broom to brush down wall or air compressor to blow off any dust and debris.
3. Apply printed samples side by side and mark each one for future reference.
a. Make sure edges are down, bubbles were pushed out, and no stretch was incurred during the installation. Use a hard squeegee for application.
b. For outdoor applications on heavily textured walls like brick with grout lines, add heat and use proper tools to make sure vinyl conforms to the surface texture.
4. Allow 24 hours to pass.
a. 24 hours is usually the normal amount of time for the adhesive to reach its full adhesion strength.
5. Check all graphics for any edge lift, bubbles or failures.
6. For the candidates that have no edge lift, bubbles or failures, slowly remove the graphics by pulling at 180 degrees.
a. Some may be harder to peel than others. This will tell you how well it is sticking to the wall. Avoid the product that peels off too easily.
7. Resist the urge to peel at 90 degrees angle. This adds an exponential amount of force and can remove paint and/or parts of the wall.
a. Heat can aid in removal, but don't use this for the test. You want to check the adhesive strength.
8. A small amount of paint removed is acceptable since these can be areas where paint did not cure properly.
9. Based on the test, choose the best product for that particular wall.
10. Remember the golden rule: THERE IS NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL WALL GRAPHICS. What works for one wall and paint may not for others. Therefore, TEST, TEST, TEST.